PROVO, Utah —Five plays into second-ranked Notre Dame’s top-10 showdown with BYU, defensive end Boubacar Traore was called for roughing the passer with a targeting ejection as well.
The penalty came on a quick out from Cougars’ quarterback Bear Bachmeier to wideout Roger Saleapaga for 2 yards.
Traore, the fourth-year standout from Boston, came in with a team-leading 3.5 sacks to go with 17 tackles.
Live updates: Notre Dame football vs BYU live updates, score, highlights | Cougars score on opening drive
Traore’s mistake helped the Cougars continue their momentum on what became an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive.
That marked the second time in three games the Irish defense allowed a touchdown on its opening series of the game. The same result happened on Oct. 3 at North Carolina.
Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame football sacks leader Boubacar Traore ejected in BYU game
